BY CINDY CARSON

Anderson Herald Bulletin

Staff Reporter

The newest super-sized Big Lots opens its doors at 9 a.m. today in the former Ames store on Scatterfield Road.

On Wednesday, an employee was stationed outside. The woman sat on the curb in the sunshine calling out to eager customers, "Sorry. We don't open until tomorrow morning at 9. We'll be waiting for you then, OK?"

Shoulders slumped, the would-be customers returned to their cars.

Inside, Big Lots is filled with light and boasts main aisles wide enough to drive through.

"That's what our customers told us they wanted," Earle said.

Big Lots offers everything from pet supplies, clothing, house and garden items to food, frozen foods, gifts, household supplies and furniture, including gorgeous wicker and wooden chests.

"Better get back here early," said Dan Earle, district manager for Big Lots. "Those won't last long."

The shelves at Big Lots never look the same from visit to visit, Earle said, because part of Big Lots' goal is to bring more quality, close-out merchandise -- with low prices -- to the Anderson store.

New employees scurried through the store Wednesday attending to last-minute details.

About 35 new employees were hired for the store. Guy Avra is the new store manager.

"They set the store up," Earle said. "Their signature is on every shelf."

The new employees are excited about welcoming customers to the store, he added.

"Our real grand opening is next week on March 20," Earle said. "But we like to open a few days earlier to give our new employees a chance to work with customers and the merchandise before big crowds start coming."

He peered at the reporter's notebook for a moment.

"It's going to be very busy here tomorrow, isn't it?" he asked. "Well, we're ready."

On the day of the official grand opening, customers will find many surprises, including drawings for gift certificates.

"And we'll have some freebies to give away, too," he said.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 649-9920.

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